By mindfully viewing eight memorable feature films, participants will explore cinematic beauty as an opening toward resilience and a more wholehearted life. Recent neuroaesthetics research suggests that experiences of beauty can activate the brain’s emotional processing centers, which play an important role in resilience, while positive psychology has linked an “appreciation of beauty and excellence” with greater life satisfaction. Drawing on landmark films by Jean Renoir, Satyajit Ray, Martin Scorsese, Agnès Varda, David Lean, Sydney Pollack, and others, the workshop invites deep contemplative engagement with stories in which beauty becomes a source of resilient well-being.
Using methods refined through 28 film seminars at Esalen co-led by Francis Lu and Brother David Steindl-Rast, this workshop combines mindful film viewing, contemplative reflection, and group interaction centered on each participant’s personal experience of carefully selected cinema. As Joseph Campbell wrote, “the images of myths are reflections of the spiritual and depth potentialities of every one of us….Through contemplating those, we evoke their powers in our own lives to operate through ourselves.” The films will be presented in 4K Blu-ray on a large screen with surround sound through six loudspeakers.
5.5 CE Credits for Health Professionals are available for an additional $35 fee payable to the workshop leader.
Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
Designed for shared stays, this room type accommodates four to six guests in a welcoming, gender-inclusive setting, with a maximum stay of seven consecutive days. It’s a practical choice for retreat participants who value comfort, simplicity, and a sense of community during their time away.
Each bunk room includes twin-size bunk beds and a private bathroom with a shower, offering the privacy and convenience guests need throughout their stay. Fresh towels, bath soap, and bed linens are provided, so you can settle in with ease and focus on your experience rather than the details.
With its straightforward layout and thoughtfully provided essentials, this accommodation supports a restful and uncomplicated stay, making it well suited for those looking to share space while still enjoying comfort and functionality.
Ideal for guests who want a more social stay without the atmosphere of a dorm, this cozy shared room offers a comfortable and practical setup for up to three people of the same gender. The space is arranged with three beds: two on the main floor and one tucked into a sleeping loft, creating a simple, welcoming environment that still feels private and restful.
Each room includes an in-room bathroom with a shower, making daily routines easy and convenient. To help you settle in with ease, towels, bath soap, and bed linens are all provided. Whether you are traveling for a retreat, a wellness stay, or a peaceful getaway with others, this room offers a warm balance of connection, comfort, and simplicity.
Designed for guests seeking a little extra privacy, this inviting room offers a peaceful place to unwind within the charming, Big Sur-inspired motel atmosphere of the property. Thoughtfully located for convenience, it overlooks the main campus and garden, giving you a calming view to return to throughout your stay.
Inside, you’ll find a private bathroom and a comfortable setting that supports rest, simplicity, and easy access to the wider retreat experience. It’s an ideal choice for solo travelers or couples looking for a quiet, well-situated space to recharge between wellness activities, meals, and moments of relaxation.
If you’d like to share the room, one additional guest may join for an extra $250 per night.
Settle into a relaxed stay surrounded by the charming motel-inspired atmosphere of Big Sur. This Standard Two Double Beds room offers a comfortable, unfussy space designed for easy rest and shared travel. With two double beds and a private bathroom, it is a practical choice for friends, couples, or family members looking to enjoy time together while still having room to unwind.
The room’s simple, welcoming feel makes it easy to slow down after a day of exploring, reconnecting, or simply enjoying a peaceful break. Whether you are traveling for a quiet getaway or a shared adventure, this space provides the comfort and privacy you need for a restful stay.
Designed for a serene Central Coast escape, this room invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and settle into a truly restful stay. A luxurious queen bed creates a comforting place to unwind after a day of exploring, offering the kind of refuge that feels both elevated and easy. The atmosphere is warm and relaxing, with thoughtful details that help guests feel instantly at ease.
Depending on the room, you may enjoy one or more of the following features:
Whether you are here for a peaceful getaway or simply looking for a more refined place to rest, this room offers a welcoming balance of comfort, charm, and natural beauty.
Francis G. Lu, MD, is the Kim Professor in Cultural Psychiatry, Emeritus, at UC Davis, and a respected voice in the intersection of mental health, culture, and human development. Since 1987, he has led or co-led 37 film seminars at Esalen focused on positive psychological qualities and character virtues, including 28 sessions with Brother David Steindl-Rast. His work invites participants into...
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Mon, Jul 20 – Fri, Jul 24